thread: Calories in Pregnancy

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jan 2011
    2,075

    Calories in Pregnancy

    Not sure where i was meant to put this one.

    I have been trying to work out the "healthy" amount to eat in pregnancy. I really dont want to put on too much and not get back to my pre baby body.

    Most source are saying that you need to increase your calories by 300. But what is the total you're meant to have then??

    Has anyone else successfully and healthily gained the right amount of weight?

    Any guideance would be great!

  2. #2

    Jun 2010
    District Twelve
    8,425

    Google basal metabolic rate calculator and determine what your daily calorific intake should be (based on your height, weight, age, etc) then add the extra 300 for pregnancy (if it is meant to be 300!!)

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Victoria
    7,260

    It is more like 500 calories.

    But yep, like N2L suggested, you can calculate it online. Basically you should be on around 2000 calories a day to maintain weight, plus your 500 for pregnancy.

    Seriously though, it is more about listening to your body and eating as and when it demands, and eating healthy and nutritious food. Please don't get stuck flitting away your pregnancy worried about counting calories!
    There is nothing that says you will put n weight either, BTW, I didn't put on any with either pregnancy; the healthy weight gain is around 11kg, most of which you will lose immediately post partum. Fat stores during pregnancy and breastfeeding are a physiological norm and your body needs them, so don't go overboard.

  4. #4

    Jun 2010
    District Twelve
    8,425

    Yep, what Limey said.

    I was going to add that you won't actually get your pre-pg body back..it will change, even if you weigh the same. It's totally normal

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Melbourne
    2,008

    Like the others have said, all you can do is eat healthy and give your body what it needs... It will put on the weight it needs to.

    With my first pregnancy I was very conscious about trying to keep the weight gain to a minimum. Fat lot of good that did, I put on 27kg (nearly half my starting weight). But it was all fluid and was all gone within a few months of giving birth.

    This time around I've been a lot less concerned and only put on 3.5kgs so far.

    Every woman is different and every pregnancy is different. The best thing you can do for your baby and your body is listen to it. Nourish it with good foods and lots of them. Your body will do the rest, that may mean you gain a little or a lot of weight. Just trust that your body is doing what it needs to do to produce a healthy baby.

  6. #6
    2014 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    Mar 2008
    Vic
    4,806

    I gained 9kg with DD and had lost that plus another 5kgs in the eight weeks after she was born, without dieting. I ate what I wanted during the pregnancy but towards the end, couldn't eat much at all due to heartburn. Just something to keep in mind when working out how many calories to consume.

    N2L is right too - I totally changed shape so even though I lost weight, clothes didn't fit right anymore. Good luck!

  7. #7

    Mar 2004
    Sparta
    12,662

    Try not to stress too much. You're growing a baby and your body will never be the same. My feet are a half size bigger than they were before my first pregnancy

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Melbourne
    2,008

    My feet are a half size bigger than they were before my first pregnancy
    Me too!

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Sep 2008
    1,350

    My weight gain initially was hindered by the constant nausea and vomiting in the first 14 weeks and then I could hardly eat due to Gord, my appetite has picked up now . The nutritionist told me to balance out the 5 food groups and not too worry about the extra calorie info, she said the babies will get what they need from my diet. So I try to balance my calories out,

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Sep 2008
    1,350

    Try not to stress too much. You're growing a baby and your body will never be the same. My feet are a half size bigger than they were before my first pregnancy
    Wow ! So not only will my butt grow ! So will my feet :-)

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Aug 2010
    Albs, WA
    971

    im on a 'no gain' goal (im still losing the 30kh after DD) and having 2000 calories per day (i am obese) and swimming 30mins every day (as well as working out 3 times a week)
    im also breastfeeding dd 3 times a day
    fingers crossed

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Aug 2009
    Ipswich, Queensland
    1,418

    I am one who says don't count calories. Eat when you are hungry. Eat vegies, eat meat, drink water, eat healthy snacks (almonds, sesame seed crackers, vita brits with meat & advocado etc) when hungry. If you are hungry your body is telling you that you need more food. I gained 20kg with DS....only 2kg off half my pre pregnancy weight. Everyone puts on different amounts in different places. If you eat healthy you should lose the 'weight' no problems after bub is born. it's when you eat junk that you will probably struggle with losing it.